'The X Factor' 2016: Mel B Returns To Judging Panel, As Nicole Scherzinger Misses Auditions

Mel B is to return as a judge on ‘The X Factor’, it has been confirmed.

However, Spice Girls fans hoping the new series will be getting a lot more zig-ah-zig-ah shouldn’t get too excited, as she’s only filling in for Nicole Scherzinger at Friday’s auditions (17 June) while she honours a prior commitment.

We’re guessing this “prior commitment” isn’t in any way related to Andrew Lloyd Webber…

Mel was previously a judge on ‘The X Factor’ for one series in 2014, mentoring finalist Andrea Faustini.

She’s since appeared alongside Simon Cowell on the judging panel of ‘America’s Got Talent’.

An ‘X Factor’ “insider” tells The Sun: “This is a diary clash that Nicole had booked in before she agreed to do ‘X Factor’ and couldn’t change.

“Mel has been working with Simon as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’ so was available to cover. He also knows she’ll come in and take no prisoners so is the perfect temporary replacement for the day.”

We don’t envy Friday’s batch of hopefuls, having to perform in front of the always-honest Mel B and Sharon Osbourne, who has already assured viewers that she’s taking no prison with her return to the show.

Sharon recently claimed: “I don’t want to hurt anyone, but unfortunately the nerves and rejection during the audition process does often cause some tears.

“I’m a mum and a grandma, I don’t want to intentionally hurt anyone who comes to audition but sometimes you have to say no.”

Prior to her return to the ‘X Factor’ panel, Mel B hit the headlines earlier this year over claims she was planning a special project with her former bandmates Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell.

Tap the image below to launch the slideshow...